Researcher Launchpad

Where discovery meets opportunity…

Join Researcher Launchpad - an 8-week pre-accelerator programme designed for final year PhD students and Postdoctoral researchers from across all faculties with ambitions to develop commercial ventures.

 

How Researcher Launchpad Will Help You Succeed

• Problem-First Thinking – Identify real-world problems your research can solve and genuine market need
• Connect with Stakeholders – Gain hands-on experience in market research to validate your idea.
• Practical Business Skills – Learn from experts, mentors, and peers to gain confidence navigating the entrepreneurial world

What You’ll Gain 

• Lean business model – build a venture concept grounded in evidence
• Pitch-ready deck – communicate your idea with clarity and confidence
• Actionable plan – take your next steps toward innovation and venture creation
• Personal growth – reflect on your founder potential and build your network 

Designed For You 

• Hybrid Format – combines in-person boot camps and online sessions to fit around your research commitments
• Customer Discovery Phase – test your assumptions with real users and stakeholders
• Expert-Led Sessions – IP, finance, business modelling and more
• Hands-On Tools – use canvases, AI tools and templates tailored for researchers to map problems, personas, markets and business models 
• Supportive Community – join a cohort of like-minded researchers with opportunities for peer learning and networking with experienced founders 

Eligibility

To join the programme, you must:

• Be a PhD student (Years 2-4) or a Postdoctoral Researcher (within 2 years of graduation)
• Have an entrepreneurial idea that you’ve been developing and are ready to take forward

 

Key Dates

Activity	Date
Information Session	12:00 - 13:30, Monday 8th December (online) Register to find out more
Applications Open	Monday 29th September 2025 - Apply Now
Deadline to apply	23:59, Friday 19th December 2025
Selection Announcement	Tuesday 23rd December 2025
Boot Camp Dates	Wednesday 14th & Friday 16th January 2026
Full Programme	Wednesday 14th January - Wednesday 4th March 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Translate your research discoveries into impactful enterprises, supported by tools and expertise to bridge research and reality.